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Council approves $20,000 El Potrero Park mural with added community activities; members request donkey symbol
Summary
The council approved funding for a 180‑square‑foot mural at El Potrero Park, including a two‑day community workshop and video; council amended the motion to replace a regional mammoth/elephant symbol with a donkey at council direction.
The Moreno Valley City Council voted to fund and install a community mural at El Potrero Park and directed a minor artwork change after council discussion about local symbolism and equity across districts.
Artist Chris Popour presented the mural concept, describing a design that combines youth sports imagery with native flora and fauna and a community engagement plan that includes a two‑day weekend workshop, activity books for children and a short video documenting the mural's creation. Popour said the front wall of the bathroom building will host roughly 180 square feet of painted imagery and the total funding request for materials, workshops and video production is $20,000.
During the public comment period, community members raised transparency and originality concerns. Resident Riley Peek said the applicant's listed website was unavailable and alleged the submission included material generated by artificial intelligence; Peek urged the council to verify the portfolio and originality before approval. Another commenter, Roy Blecker, criticized the city's process and allocation decisions.
Council members debated the proposal in light of prior public concerns about the public art program, project distribution across council districts and community participation. Several council members expressed support for the project as a neighborhood improvement that can reduce graffiti and engage youth. Council Member Delgado and others asked that a locally resonant symbol be added; the council voted to approve staff's recommendation and amended the motion to replace a mammoth/elephant symbol with a donkey.
Council recorded a voice vote in favor. The council asked staff and the artist to emphasize community engagement during the installation and to coordinate outreach to local schools and children’s activities on weekend dates to maximize participation.
Key project details on the record: $20,000 requested for materials, workshops and a video; front mural area approximately 180 square feet; two‑day community event scheduled as part of the project; artist will coordinate outreach and workshops with a proposed coordinator, Karen Weiss.
